New York City families with children born in 2022 are encouraged to act now, as the application deadline for 3-K programs for the 2025-2026 school year is approaching. The application period, which opened on January 15, 2025, will close on Friday, February 28, 2025. Offers for 3-K placements will be released on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This is a critical opportunity to secure a spot in one of NYC’s free, full-day, high-quality early education programs, designed to give three-year-olds a strong start in their educational journey.
3-K programs are available in every school district across the five boroughs, with options including NYC Early Education Centers, District Schools, Pre-K Centers, and Family Child Care programs. Families can choose the setting that best fits their child’s needs, whether it’s a school-based program, a community-based center, or a home-based option. The Department of Education (DOE) makes every effort to place students in programs close to their homes, ensuring convenience and accessibility.
All children born in 2022 who reside in New York City are eligible to apply for 3-K. This includes children currently attending EarlyLearn or other preschool programs, children with disabilities or accessibility needs, children learning English, and students in temporary housing. Importantly, children do not need to be toilet-trained to attend 3-K. Families temporarily living outside NYC are also encouraged to apply, as long as they are NYC residents.
Families can apply in three ways: online, by phone, or in person. The easiest way to apply is through the MySchools.nyc portal, which is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and more. For those who prefer assistance, applications can be submitted by calling 718-935-2009, where interpretation services are available in over 200 languages. Alternatively, families can visit a Family Welcome Center to receive in-person support from an Enrollment Counselor.
The application timeline for 3-K programs for the 2025-2026 school year is well underway, and families should mark these important dates on their calendars. The application period opened on January 15, 2025, giving families ample time to explore their options and submit their preferences. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 28, 2025, and all applications must be submitted by this date to be considered. Families will receive their 3-K offers on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, which will include information about their child’s placement and any waitlist status. It’s important to note that 3-K admissions are not first-come, first-served, so families have until the February 28 deadline to make changes or submit their applications without affecting their chances of securing a spot.
Admissions to 3-K programs are based on several factors, including the programs families list on their application, seat availability, and admissions priorities. Understanding these priorities can help families make informed decisions about where to apply. One key priority is Sibling Priority, which gives children a higher chance of admission if they have a sibling already attending the program. Another important factor is District Priority, which prioritizes children for programs in their home school district. For families with a zoned elementary school offering 3-K, Zoned Priority ensures that children living in the school’s zone have a better chance of admission.
Additionally, some programs participate in the Diversity in Admissions initiative, which prioritizes seats for specific groups of children, such as those from low-income families, students in temporary housing, and Emergent Multilingual Learners. This initiative aims to create diverse and inclusive learning environments that benefit all students. By understanding these priorities, families can strategically choose programs that align with their needs and increase their child’s chances of receiving an offer to their preferred 3-K program.
For families with income-based needs, Extended Day and Year or Head Start seats may be available. These programs offer up to 10 hours of care per day, year-round, including during the summer. Eligibility is based on family income and specific needs, such as employment, participation in educational programs, or living in temporary housing. Families who qualify for these programs can enroll their children at any time throughout the year.
For assistance with applications or finding a program, families can visit MySchools.nyc and use the “Need a Seat for the 2024-25 School Year?” filter. Additional support is available by emailing ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov or calling 311 to locate their school district or zoned school.
The February 28 deadline is fast approaching, and families are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. By applying to 3-K, families are taking an important step toward securing a high-quality early education experience for their child. For more information, visit schools.nyc.gov/3K or contact your local Family Welcome Center. Don’t wait—apply today!
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
